A JOINT project involving Greta Cemetery Trust, Wallan Cemetery Trust and the Victoria Police Memorials Committee will reach fruition in February, with the unveiling of a memorial to a police officer involved in the 1880 Kelly Gang siege at Glenrowan.

The staged project involves placing a memorial plaque and story board at Wallan Cemetery for Constable Hugh Bracken, who is buried there in an unknown, unmarked grave.

Irish-born Bracken served with Victoria Police in two stints between 1861 and 1866, and 1867 and 1873.

He rejoined Victoria Police in November, 1878 to join the search for the gang which killed police at Stringybark Creek, and was kidnapped and held hostage by Ned Kelly at Glenrowan on June 27, 1880.

Bracken showed great coolness and bravery in escaping and warning approaching police that the gang was in Ann Jones' Hotel.

He subsequently took part in the siege of the hotel, and played a key role in Ned Kelly's arrest, which was preceded by a lengthy gun battle.

On May 9, 1883, he was found medically unfit and was discharged from Victoria Police.

Sadly, Bracken died by his own hand on February 23, 1900 at his home in Wallan, with his 14-year-old son in the next room.

Cemetery Records show his name, but no details as to section, nor plot, nor who buried him; it is not known where he lies.

Recent, thorough research shows that Bracken has no direct line in Australia; his first son died in World War 1 and his second son had one daughter who had no children, though there are distant relatives.

However, it was clear that he needed to have a marker to remember him both as a person, and for his place in Australian history.

The Victoria Police Memorials Committee could not provide financial support for this project, as its funding is limited to cases involving members of the Victoria Police Force who are recorded on the Victoria Police Honour Roll; Hugh Bracken is not recorded on that roll.

Similarly, Victoria Police Blue Ribbon funding is limited to perpetuating the memory of members of the Victoria Police who have died in the line of duty.

It can be argued that Bracken suffered ongoing post-traumatic stress disorder, but he still does not fit the stated criteria, so unfortunately, he met neither of the required criteria for funding.

In their respective roles, Noeleen Lloyd (Greta Cemetery Trust) and Ralph Stavely (Victoria Police Memorials Committee) have worked with the Wallan Cemetery Trust to bring together the project to memorialise Bracken.

A crowd funding page was created to fund the cost of memorial plaque, placement, story board and related materials, and a memorial service.

The aim was to raise $7500 for a memorial plaque and eventual information board. There cannot be a headstone, nor could it be on a grave, as there is no way of knowing the location of Bracken's grave. Rather, a place has been determined for a memorial near the front gate of the cemetery.

The GoFundMe campaign was launched on April 30 last year, and had reached half of its target within a week.

Almost 100 individuals and organisations donated to reach the $7500 target, with donations from the Police Veterans Association and Matt Aldridge of THE COO-WEE RIDE taking the total amount donated up to just over $12,000.

As a result of the support, a plaque on the memorial will read 'Funded by public subscription'.

The project highlights the impact of mental health and PTSD, as an historic and contemporary issue.

A public ceremony and unveiling of the memorial will be held from 10.30am on Sunday, February 23, the 125th anniversary of Hugh Bracken's death.

All are welcome to attend the unveiling, with RSVP by February 20 to Noeleen Lloyd 0427 276 372 noeleenlloyd@gmail.com or Ralph Stavely 0432 622065 ralphstavely@optusnet.com.au

Light refreshments will follow at the Wallan Police Station (at the request of Victoria Police, members of the public will be asked to provide name and date of birth for security reasons when RSVPing. This list will be provided to VicPol and must match ID.)